“It’s not really a New Year’s Eve party, call it a hopeful observance. It’s having a live band to say we’ve been fortunate to survive 2020 and look forward to 2021,” said Rod Hatfield, co-owner of the Market Bar.
The Deadmen Family Band is a bluegrass group made up of local performers who reunite to perform every now and then, including one member who is a park ranger in Montana who returns back home here for holidays. They’ll play a mix of songs in their sets.
There is no admission fee, but a limit of 50 people, based on first come, first served seating, can watch the performance live. There will be three sets, but the music will also play over the COhatch’s speaker system and also be available for livestream on the Market Bar’s Facebook page.
Attendees are required to wear masks, observe social distancing and other safety protocols. COHatch will also offer other activities throughout the day.
As the statewide curfew requires places shut down by 10 p.m., this event will have a unique way of ringing in 2021 early and saluting Shackelton. Instead of a ball drop, a neon sign will be lit at 9 p.m., which will be midnight on South Georgia Island, a key location on Shackleton’s survival trek.
The explorer will get a further nod with a signature drink using ice crystals called the Shackleton along with other specials.
“This is the perfect metaphor to 2020, to not give up hope,” Hatfield said.
COHatch has hosted 80 live performances this year, and Hatfield said the trend will continue in 2021. Live music and movies are presented on weekends with singer/songwriters showcased on Friday evenings and jazz on Saturdays. Standup comedy nights occur the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.
For more information, go to the Market Bar’s Facebook page.
The monthly downtown First Friday will be delayed a week as New Year’s Day falls on that date, but it will be moved back a week to the evening of Friday, Jan. 8.
Other Springfield New Year’s Eve activities include:
- Simon Kenton Inn, 4690 Urbana Rd., has limited seating for its New Year’s Eve dinner. Call 937-399-9950 for hours and more information.
- Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co., 102 W. Columbia St., will have The Wicked Lobstah food truck from 4-9 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve Karaoke Bash, 6-9 p.m. at the Wayside Tavern, 2288 S. Yellow Springs St. The event will include music and Karaoke.
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